College football is back in full swing. There are always things to watch every week of the season. Here are 5 things to watch in college football Week 11.
Utah remained undefeated in Week 10 with their win over BYU and will likely move up to No. 2 in the CFP rankings this week. They have sported a top-15 scoring offense and defense this season, making them a well-balanced team. The Utes have a path to the CFP and could even afford a loss, but will want to defeat Arizona to make them more of a lock to make the CFP.
Arizona has two losses this season, which were to BYU and Texas Tech. With some help, they can still make the Big 12 Championship Game and make the CFP. The Wildcats have a solid offense, averaging 34.2 points per game and are led by veteran quarterback Noah Fifita. The defense allows 19.9 points per game, which makes them a solid unit. They will be hosting and will be motivated to pull off the big win.
USC found their way back in CFP discussions after defeating Ohio State in Week 9. They are coming off a bye week and have a big road trip to Indiana. The Trojans score 32.4 points per game and are led by Jayden Maiava at quarterback. Defensively, they give up 24.2 points per game, but have been inconsistent overall. They have the opportunity to have a big game against Indiana and help play their way into the CFP.
Indiana is also off a bye to prepare for USC. Their offense isn’t nearly as impressive as it was last season. The Hoosiers haven’t scored more than 23 points in the last four games. Their defense has carried a lot of weight, as they concede just 12.4 points per game. Josh Hoover or Grant Wilson will need to be more accurate at quarterback for this team to reach their full potential. The Hoosiers have already lost one game and will want to avoid another one to move down in the rankings.
Florida sits at 5-4 and will want to finish the season strong in Jon Sumrall’s first season. After winning their first four games, the Gators are 1-4 since. The offense has stalled out the last few weeks, as they have scored just 15 total points. Trammell Jones Jr. and Aaron Phlo have both played at quarterback with some variety in their results. The defense allows 29.7 points per game, tying them for 97th in the country.
Kentucky is coming off their second loss of the season to Tennessee. With a loss to Alabama also already on their record, Kentucky still has a path to the CFP. They have an offense and defense that are both about average in terms of points per game, but have won plenty of close games. A win over Florida would leave Missouri and Louisville on the schedule, and really set them up well.
Texas was ranked seventh in the CFP rankings, which really uplifted their chances of making the CFP, but there were still plenty of tests heading into Week 10. They defeated Missouri on the road and now they will have to do the same against LSU to help get closer to locking up a spot in the CFP. The offense scores 31.1 points, but the defense has starred, giving up 17.1 points per game. The Longhorns play LSU this week and still have Texas A&M on the schedule as well.
LSU has not had the season they envisioned when they hired Lane Kiffin. They are 6-3 with losses to Ole Miss, Kentucky and to Alabama. The Tigers could still make the CFP with some help, but they would have to win out starting with this game against Texas. They rank top 20 in scoring offense and defense this season, which shows some of their talent, even if it isn’t there in their record. Could LSU win and shake the CFP rankings up?
Duke has quietly started off the season 7-2. They won the ACC last season with a 7-5 record heading into the championship game. So far this season, Duke has lost to North Carolina and Georgia Tech. The defense ranks fifth in the country, allowing 13 points per game. Walker Eget has taken over the offense, helping them score 33 points per game. A win over Miami could help them make the ACC Championship Game again with some help.
Quarterback Darian Mensah and wide receiver Cooper Barkate transferred from Duke to Miami this offseason and will be facing off against their former team. They will be without star receiver Malachi Toney, but still played well offensively in the second half against Notre Dame. The Hurricanes still have the best offense in the country at 45 points per game. Their defense hasn’t lived up to expectations, as they have given up 19.2 points per game. Miami will want to rebound from the loss to Notre Dame and not let things slide.
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